Easy Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Homemade Sauce

If you’ve ever craved the perfect chicken chow mein that tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout, then you’re in the right place. This easy chicken chow mein recipe combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and soft noodles with a rich, flavorful homemade sauce that takes just minutes to prepare. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is satisfying, comforting, and unbelievably delicious.

Why This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Works

Unlike takeout, this recipe is made entirely at home, giving you control over freshness, flavor, and portion sizes. The secret lies in the sauce: a perfect balance of soy, oyster sauce, and aromatics that coat every noodle and vegetable. Plus, this dish is versatile—you can swap vegetables, add extra protein, or use different noodles depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 8 oz chow mein or lo mein noodles
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red and yellow)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Homemade Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil chow mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a few drops of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth, sugar, and black pepper. Make sure cornstarch is fully dissolved.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add onions, carrots, and bell peppers; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Add broccoli and cook for another 2 minutes until vegetables are bright and slightly crisp.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
6. Add Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked noodles, tossing carefully so they absorb the sauce but don’t break apart. Heat for 1–2 minutes until noodles are warm.
7. Serve: Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Easy Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Homemade Sauce

A quick and flavorful chicken chow mein recipe with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, soft noodles, and a homemade sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 400

Ingredients

  

Chicken Chow Mein

• 2 pieces chicken breasts thinly sliced
• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup bell peppers sliced
• 1 medium carrot julienned
• 1 onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil divided
• 2 green onions sliced for garnish
• 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Homemade Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 0.75 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 tsp sugar
• pinch black pepper

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Pot for noodles

Method

 

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with sesame oil.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth, sugar, and black pepper.
3. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet or wok. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Sauté garlic and ginger 30 seconds. Add onions, carrots, bell peppers, stir-fry 2-3 minutes. Add broccoli, cook 2 minutes.
5. Return chicken to skillet. Pour in sauce, toss to coat, cook 2-3 minutes until thickened.
6. Fold in cooked noodles, heat 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh vegetables and high heat when stir-frying.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Chow Mein

• Prep Ingredients First: Chop vegetables and slice chicken before heating the skillet. Stir-fry happens fast, so everything should be ready.
• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying at high heat keeps vegetables crisp and chicken tender.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming rather than stir-frying.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu.
• Vegetable Options: Add snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy.
• Spicy Twist: Add 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or a dash of sriracha for heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls.
• Pair with a light Asian-inspired salad with sesame dressing.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days and reheated in a skillet.

Fun Facts About Chow Mein

Chow mein originates from northern China, where “chow” means “stir-fry” and “mein” means “noodles.” Traditional versions use hand-pulled noodles, but today’s versions are versatile, quick, and adaptable to home kitchens worldwide.